Rome: The Art Of War ~ M.C. Scott

I finished this book nearly two weeks ago and tried to write this review three other times, with a glaring lack of success (I would like to clarify that this has naught to do with the author, but with my inability to articulate what I wanted to say). I could not figure out why until an inspirational walk for an elusive Magnum White in the pouring rain. Though what any of these have to do with the world Scott has created is certainly a mystery.



The reader quickly realises that this book is set up as responses to an series of, dare I say, interrogations conducted by Hypathia. It takes a bit longer to realise that the reason for these interviews is that something terrible or catastrophic has occurred, but nothing said helps to clarify 'what'. Then it begins to dawn on the reader that Pantera is not one of those being questioned. Thus my first experience of reader's anxiety. Then the rational me remembers that he is never the narrator, but still, something is prickling...

Once again, Scott brilliantly weaves a story of loyalty and betrayal, honesty and corruption, the rise and fall of emperors as well as spies, murder and mayhem in a Rome still nervous of flames. The work needing to be done to ensure Vespasian's Emperorship in the year of 4 Emperors is so convoluted that only someone with Pantera's skills could even attempt it. That someone is foiling his every move only serves to demonstrate just how deep the well and long the reach of those willing to help him.

The characters introduced in this instalment of the Rome series are just as colourful, obstreperous and dangerous as any the author has previously presented. Faulty as every other human, they all eventually come to realise the truth even when too late and do what they can to ensure success for the cause. And while this is set during the Roman Empire, Scott has enlisted, or perhaps they bullied their way in, (she would have to clarify) the ancient world's version of Doyle's Baker Street Irregulars, Sayers's gift of tossing around herrings of the crimson persuasion with the odd Christie bluff, with the urgency of a 21st century Bond. Truly mystery and espionage at its best.


I nearly forgot the necessary declaration: I was given a copy of the book in exchange of an honesty review.

Review originally appeared on the now defunct Paternoster Row Legacy blog.